After watching Gareth Bale score a goal as good as his first in the Champions League final, you would be forgiven for thinking his place in the Real Madrid starting eleven was certain. However, for a variety of different reasons, Bale has never been taken in by the Spanish giants and has always looked a little like an outsider who is struggling to make an impression.

There is no doubting that Bale has the quality to play for almost any club in the world, and a fresh start could be the thing he needs to kick-start the final part of his career. He is in his prime now and, after retiring, it is unlikely he will want to look back and see he spent some of that warming the Madrid bench. Bale was on the bench for all but one of Madrid's knockout games in the Champions League, including the final, and didn't feature at all in two of their most important games.

Betting on where Bale will end up next season is likely to feature prominently, despite the World Cup taking place. A whole host of clubs from all over Europe are likely to make contact with Bale's agent should he become available. Those will no doubt include Manchester United, who have courted Bale for the past few seasons and always seem to be the favourites to land his signature when talk of a move comes up.

There is also the chance that he returns to Tottenham, a club where he made his name, but one that has rapidly grown in the Premier League since he left in 2013. Spurs are on the way up and determined to challenge for both domestic and European honours over the coming seasons. There is no doubt that Bale would give them the chance to do that, and he would be welcomed back with open arms. He would also show players like Harry Kane and Deli Alli that Tottenham is a place they should want to play, and a place where they can win trophies.

Both United and Tottenham head the way in the betting for where Bale will move to this summer, with Bayern Munich, Chelsea and PSG other clubs in the running and likely suitors of the Welshman. The football betting tips at 101 Great Goals will keep you up to date with the latest betting news regarding his potential summer move, as well as the futures of players like Riyad Mahrez.

Usually, when we are in a summer that has a major tournament, transfer news takes a back seat. However, Gareth Bale is a hugely talented football player and fans and bookmakers alike are going to be looking for clues and watching this story with interest. Bale has been on the outside looking in at Madrid for too long - he has done all he can to cement his place in the team with his play on the pitch, but it simply hasn't been enough. A fresh start is needed for him both on and off the field, and after seeing him perform to a high standard on the biggest European stage of them all, there will surely be a long list of potential suitors for him to choose from.